[3-Choice Quiz] Cherry Blossom Trivia You'll Want to Share with Someone

school

The specimen tree used as the standard for determining when cherry blossoms open in Nara is located at a certain school in the city. When spring comes, the tree blooms, and the flowering date is announced based on how much it has blossomed. If you want to know the best time to see cherry blossoms in Nara, it’s a good idea to check the blossoms at that school. Children and local residents are surely looking forward to its blooming.

flower raft

It refers to a scene where fallen cherry blossom petals densely carpet the surface of water, such as a nearby river. People are likely drawn to cherry blossoms because they offer beautiful sights in every phase: blooming on the trees, riding on the wind, and even after they have fallen.

10m

When planting cherry trees, it’s important to space them so the branches can spread well and air can circulate. As a general rule, keeping about 10 meters between trees allows the blossoms and leaves to grow robustly and enhances their appearance. This way, each cherry tree will bloom vibrantly in spring.

Oji Zoo

Kobe originally had its cherry blossom sample tree at the Kobe Marine Observatory, but it was moved to Oji Zoo in the wake of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. For 21 years from 2002, the cherry tree at the zoo entrance served as the sample tree, but starting in 2023, considering that the entrance tree had grown old, the designation was changed to the cherry tree in front of the Panda House.

March

In Hanafuda, cherry blossoms are the cards for March. It’s said that these cherry blossom cards depict the scene of flower viewing. Because Hanafuda lets you feel the seasons in this way, it’s also recommended as a game to play while enjoying cherry blossom viewing. Be sure to pay attention to the card designs as you play.

Unknown

The song “Sakura Sakura,” famous as a cherry blossom piece, is said to have an unknown composer. It is believed to have originally been a koto practice piece and later spread as a song. In 2006, it was selected for the Japan’s 100 Best Songs list, and it remains a representative cherry blossom song of Japan today.

anpan (sweet red bean bun)

In the spring of 1875, it is said that Emperor Meiji enjoyed a special confection during a cherry-blossom viewing. It was a sweet, soft bread baked with salted cherry blossom petals placed on the dough. This bread was the prototype of what we now call anpan, and it became quite the topic as a luxurious treat that let people savor the fragrance of spring.